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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
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Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
Published on: August 8, 2019
Adaptive estimation of temporal gait parameters using body-worn gyroscopes
Barry R Greene1, Denise McGrath, Karol J O'Donovan
1Intel Digital Health Group, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, Ireland. barry.r.greene@intel.com
Summary
This study introduces an adaptive gyroscope algorithm for gait analysis. The system accurately detects initial contact but shows systematic error for terminal contact, suggesting potential for portable gait monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Wearable Technology
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Body-worn kinematic sensors offer a portable and cost-effective alternative to laboratory-based gait analysis.
- Automated gait monitoring is crucial for various clinical and research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an adaptive gyroscope-based algorithm for automated temporal gait analysis.
- To assess the accuracy of wireless gyroscopes for measuring gait parameters compared to force plates.
Main Methods:
- An adaptive algorithm was developed to calculate temporal gait parameters (initial contact and terminal contact) from gyroscope data.
- Wireless gyroscopes were placed on the shanks of nine healthy adults who walked at three different speeds.
- Gyroscope data was simultaneously collected and compared with data from force plates.
Main Results:
- The adaptive gyroscope algorithm demonstrated a mean true error of -5.5 ± 7.3 ms for initial contact detection.
- A consistent systematic error of 40.6 ± 19.2 ms was observed for terminal contact detection.
- The errors for terminal contact may be inherent to shank-mounted gyroscope placement.
Conclusions:
- The developed adaptive algorithm shows promise for robust, portable, and low-cost ambulatory gait monitoring.
- Further refinement may be needed to address systematic errors in terminal contact detection.
- This technology could significantly advance remote and accessible gait assessment.
